Arizona Wildcats walk-on Johnny Jackson continues to impress

TUCSON -- Johnny Jackson was the most pleasant surprise of spring drills, a walk-on-turned-contributor who forced his way into coaches' plans by doing things the right way.

With 15 days remaining before the Arizona Wildcats' Sept. 1 opener against Toledo, Jackson has evolved into more than just feel-good column fodder.

"Johnny," coach Rich Rodriguez said, "is gonna play."

Heck, he might start.

The 5-foot-10-inch, 179-pound Jackson played slot receiver with the first-team offense in last week's Fort Huachuca scrimmage, and projects as a major contributor in the transitional season.

Jackson will be asked to do a little bit of everything in the Wildcats' spread-option offense, whether it's blocking, catching screens or going deep. Jackson has more autonomy at the line of scrimmage; he can change his routes depending on how the defense is playing him.

The receiver said his training camp success has been "a good experience" - though it's not the ultimate goal.

"The next step is playing," he said. "I really want to get on the field. I feel like I'm ready to contribute. I'm just trying to work my way into that rotation."

Jackson joined the team last fall following a stellar career at San Diego's St. Augustine High School. In his final two seasons with the Saints, Jackson rushed for 823 yards, racked up 560 receiving yards and scored 10 touchdowns.

Jackson's size scared off many larger schools; it wasn't until one of his former high school coaches reached out to ex-UA assistant Jeff Hammerschmidt, the Wildcats' San Diego recruiter, that Jackson considered walking on at the UA. He went largely ignored as a freshman in 2011.

Rodriguez's hiring, and the UA's shift to, well, shiftier receivers helped Jackson's chances of contributing. He led the team in yards and receptions during three spring scrimmages.

Coaches love Jackson's versatility, character and work ethic.

"Johnny works extremely hard," receivers coach Tony Dews said. "He's very attentive; it's important to him, and it shows. He works his tail off, he prepares practice-wise like it's important to him, and it shows when he gets out there.

"He's been working hard, and he's made some plays."

And if he keeps it up, Jackson could find himself on scholarship. The UA has filed a waiver with the NCAA that would allow Jackson to be added to the 85-man scholarship rolls without counting against the 2013 recruiting class.

"He's done enough that we certainly think that if we have room for a scholarship, then he's right there in line - he's next in line - to get one," Rodriguez said. "He's really proven himself."